A quarter time ‘rocket’ has helped inspire Shaun McKernan to one of his best games for the Bombers.
Interim Coach Matthew Egan revealed after the match the coaches were unhappy with some parts of the first term.
But McKernan responded strongly throughout the remainder of the match.
“He was fantastic,” Egan said.
“I think first quarter he might have been beaten in the centre bounce clearances.
“We gave him a little rocket, tried to fire him up, he responds well when we do fire him up and he was outstanding after that.
“His follow up, around the ground stuff and really jumping at his marks – we like players when they think they can win the ball, they go for it.”
McKernan finished the game with 24 disposals, nine marks, 26 hit outs and three goals.
His strength around the ground was instrumental in keeping the side in the contest.
The former Crow came in to the team after Jonathan Giles failed to overcome a knee problem.
Egan also praised the performance of Orazio Fantasia.
The former Norwood player started as the sub but came on late in the third quarter.
He managed 11 possessions and two goals in his limited time on the ground.
“Orazio was sensational when he came on,” Egan said.
“He’s an excitement machine.
“Probably could have done it (activated the sub) a little earlier but hindsight’s a wonderful thing.”
Fantasia recently signed a new contract that will keep him at the Bombers until at least the end of 2017.
